Many people are available to help you and your family, if you need them. Although most people with early stage melanoma will be able to get back to a normal life once their surgery is over, some may need more than advice and support.

You may find that the impact of having melanoma leads to feelings of helplessness, anxiety or depression. Specialist help in coping with these emotions is available.

Often it is easier to talk to someone who is not directly involved with your illness. You can ask your hospital consultant or GP to refer you to a doctor or counsellor who can help with the emotional problems of people with cancer and their relatives. See our list of counselling organisations. You can also contact the Cancer Counselling Trust.

If you find it difficult to talk about your cancer, you might find it helpful to read our section, talking about your cancer.

Our section on the emotional effects of cancer discusses the feelings and emotions that you may have and has advice on how to cope with them.

If the melanoma was on a very visible part of your body, such as your face or neck, and has changed your appearance, this can be difficult to come to terms with. The hospital should have a make-up (camouflage) specialist available who can help you find the best way to cover up scars.

Many organisations provide support and information to people with facial disfigurement. Some of these organisations also provide camouflage make-up to cover up scars, if necessary.

What you can do

Most people with early stage melanoma will be completely cured and it will not affect their life very much once their surgery is over. For some people it is important to try to live life as normally as possible. Keeping up with friends and trying to continue with your usual activities can reassure you that life has not changed too much.

An experience of cancer may help some people to think again about what is important in their lives. This may mean spending more time with family members, taking the holiday they have long dreamed about, or taking up a new hobby.

Some people may decide to improve their general health by eating a more healthy diet or by getting fitter. Finding a complementary therapy which helps you to relax can be a very positive way of becoming involved in your illness.

Remember there are many ways to cope with cancer – what is right depends on what works for you.